Electronic device case having an elastic stabilization strap

ABSTRACT

A case for a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone can be designed, for example, specifically for any version of the iPhone®. The case includes an elastic strap on the back side thereof to stabilize the device with one or more fingers while using it. The elastic strap may fit snuggly against the case when not in use, thereby not taking away from the slim form factor of the smartphone. A user can slide one or more fingers under the elastic strap on the back of the smartphone case to stabilize and secure the phone in the palm of the user, keeping the thumb free for typing. The elastic strap can pass through slots in the case and can be sewn together to form a loop or can include a hook on one end and a loop on another end to removably attach the elastic strap to the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application number 61/611,518, filed Mar. 15, 2012, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mobile electronic device accessories and, more particularly, to a case (protective or for other purposes) having an elastic strap on the back side thereof to stabilize the device with finger(s) while using it.

Electronic devices, such as smart phones, including the iPhone® 4 have a poor form factor and are difficult to stabilize while using. Conventional straps are often loose in both attachment to the device and in securing to the hand or fingers of the user. Moreover, conventional straps are non-discreet and do not allow the mobile device to retain a slim profile. Other straps may have loose parts, such as a tether cord or some other strap which may get caught on other items (for example, in a bag, pocketbook or the like) and does not retain the device's otherwise slim profile.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved device case that has an elastic stabilization strap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a case for a portable electronic device comprises an elastic strap disposed along at least a portion of a back side of the case, wherein the elastic strap rests substantially flat along the back side of the case when not in use, and the strap is operable to stretch to allow one or more fingers of a user to fit between the elastic strap and the case.

In another aspect of the present invention, a case for a mobile communication device comprises an elastic strap disposed along at least a portion of a back side of the case; a first slit and a second slit formed in the case, the strap fitting into the first slit and the second slit, wherein the elastic strap rests substantially flat along the back side of the case when not in use, and the strap is operable to stretch to allow one or more fingers of a user to fit between the elastic strap and the case; and the strap is stitched together to form a continuous loop.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a case for a mobile communication device comprises an elastic strap disposed along at least a portion of a back side of the case; a first slit and a second slit formed in the case, the strap fitting into the first slit and the second slit; a hook disposed on a first end of the strap and a loop formed on a second, opposite end of the strap, wherein the hook catches into the loop to form a continuous loop, wherein the elastic strap rests substantially flat along the back side of the case when not in use, and the strap is operable to stretch to allow one or more fingers of a user to fit between the elastic strap and the case.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device case, in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the electronic device case of FIG. 1 separated from the electronic device;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the electronic device case with the electronic device disposed therein;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an inside view of the electronic device case with a sewn-in strap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an inside view of the electronic device case with a removable, hook-in strap according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a hook-in strap used with the electronic device case of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of the electronic device case used with the hook-in strap of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a case for a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone. In some embodiments, the case may be designed specifically for any version of the iPhone®. The case includes an elastic strap on the back side thereof to stabilize the device with one or more fingers while using it. The elastic strap may fit snuggly against the case when not in use, thereby not taking away from the slim form factor of the smartphone. A user can slide one or more fingers under the elastic strap on the back of the smartphone case to stabilize and secure the phone in the palm of the user, keeping the thumb free for typing. The elastic strap can pass through slots in the case and can be sewn together to form a loop or can include a hook on one end and a loop on another end to removably attach the elastic strap to the case.

Referring now to the Figures, an elastic strap 10 may be attached to the back of a portable electronic device case, such as a smartphone case 12. In some embodiments, the strap 10 may be attached to the inside back of the case 12 and fed through two small slits 18 formed in the back of the case 12. In some embodiments, the strap 10 may be formed as a continuous loop of material formed through these slits 18, held together with stitching 24, for example. In other embodiments, the strap 10 may terminate on ends just inside slits 18 in the back of the case 12.

In other embodiments, the strap 10 may include a hook 20 on a first end thereof and a loop 22 formed in a second, opposite end of the strap 10. The strap 10 can pass through the slits 18 and connect with the hook 20 being connected into the loop 22 to form a continuous strap. Regardless of design, the strap 10 may be secured to and extend from the back side of the case as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4 when in use, fitting snuggly therealong when not in use, however, immediately accessible by the user 16 when desired.

The strap 10 may be made from various materials, in various widths and thicknesses. Typically, the strap 10 may be designed to elastically deform to securely hold one or more fingers of the user 16.

The strap 10 may be positioned at various locations or angle along the back of the device. For example, the strap 10 may be positioned on a lower half of the back of the case 12 for smartphones, allowing the user 16 to type with their thumb while one or more fingers are inserted into the strap 10. In some embodiments, the strap 10 may extend over a longer portion of the case 12, or may have additional stretch to allow the strap 10 to be worn on a user's wrist. Regardless of the size, location, or angle of the strap 10 on the case 12, the strap 10 may be resiliently designed so that the strap 10 returns to position, snuggly alongside the case 12 when not in use.

The case 12 can include a camera hole 14, as shown in the Figures. However, the camera hole 14 is optional, depending on the electronic device for which the case 12 is designed. The camera hole 14 could be made in different sizes, shapes and positioned in different locations, for example.

The strap 10 and case 12 may be made from various materials in various colors. In some embodiments, the strap 10 may include a base elastic material having a covering to hide or disguise the elastic. For example, a leather covering may be applied to the strap 10 so that a leather material is seen when the strap 10 is not in use, but the elastic may still stretch to allow a user to insert their finger(s), wrist, or the like. Other materials and designs may be used for the strap 10 and case 12 within the scope of the present invention.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for a portable electronic device, comprising: an elastic strap disposed along at least a portion of a back side of the case, wherein the elastic strap rests substantially flat along the back side of the case when not in use, and the strap is operable to stretch to allow one or more fingers of a user to fit between the elastic strap and the case.
 2. The case of claim 1, further comprising a first slit and a second slit formed in the case, the strap fitting into the first slit and the second slit.
 3. The case of claim 2, wherein the strap forms a continuous loop through the first slit and the second slit.
 4. The case of claim 3, wherein the strap is stitched together to form the continuous loop.
 5. The case of claim 3, further comprising a hook disposed on a first end of the strap and a loop formed on a second, opposite end of the strap, wherein the hook catches into the loop to form the continuous loop.
 6. The case of claim 2, wherein the elastic strap terminates on a first end inside the first slit and on a second, opposite end inside the second slit.
 7. The case of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is a smartphone.
 8. A case for a mobile communication device, comprising: an elastic strap disposed along at least a portion of a back side of the case; a first slit and a second slit formed in the case, the strap fitting into the first slit and the second slit, wherein the elastic strap rests substantially flat along the back side of the case when not in use, and the strap is operable to stretch to allow one or more fingers of a user to fit between the elastic strap and the case; and the strap is stitched together to form a continuous loop.
 9. A case for a mobile communication device, comprising: an elastic strap disposed along at least a portion of a back side of the case; a first slit and a second slit formed in the case, the strap fitting into the first slit and the second slit; a hook disposed on a first end of the strap and a loop formed on a second, opposite end of the strap, wherein the hook catches into the loop to form a continuous loop, wherein the elastic strap rests substantially flat along the back side of the case when not in use, and the strap is operable to stretch to allow one or more fingers of a user to fit between the elastic strap and the case. 